I'm a descendant of William Wallace.. if Scotland votes 'Yes' I can be King, says Scots funnyman Danny Wallace

10:39, 29 Apr 2014

Updated 11:06, 29 Apr 2014

ByScotland Now

THE author, deep thinker and occasional political orator, tells us, in his own understated way, that this is “the year of Scotland”. And how can we argue with that?

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Paul Chappells

Danny is a direct paternal descendant of William Wallace’s brother, John

DUNDEE-born funnyman Danny Wallace is taking a special interest in the Scottish Referendum. After all, the 37-year-old broadcaster-turned-author recently discovered some interesting family history:

“I found out that I’m a direct paternal descendant of John Wallace, who was William Wallace’s brother,” he says. “William didn’t have kids, so I’m the closest you can get to Braveheart.”

It’s got the Yes Man, Join Me and Charlotte Street author (and columnist) thinking. “Scotland, if it votes yes, won’t be able to have the Queen of England, so it needs to look within itself for the next rightful monarch,” he says.

“And that appears it to be muggins here. I just want people of Scotland to know that, yes, I will do it, and thank you for asking.

“I realise,” he says, “I’ve just made the greatest argument possible for Scotland to vote no.”

While Wallace spent his formative years south of the border in Kent, and lost his Scottish accent before he hit double figures, he admits to feeling a real kinship with Scotland.

He tells us he “feels Scottish”, and visits his hometown of Dundee regularly – he’s back in June to promote new book, Who Is Tom Ditto? at the university – and still has friends from primary school there.

But Braveheart jokes aside, he admits the referendum is “extremely difficult” for him in what he describes as an extraordinary year for Scotland.

“I do see both sides of the argument,” he tells us. “I think that being part of a union is an incredibly special thing, but at the same time, if Scotland wants to thrive on its own and prove that it can, I think the yes vote could be the most exciting moment in Scottish history, since the 1700s at least.

“One of the things I find quite frustrating about London, is that when I was talking to media types, saying this will be huge next year, that everyone will be talking about the Scottish referendum, a few people kept saying, ‘Well it’s a Scottish story really’.

“I was going, ‘No, no, it’s not! It’s a British story. It’s huge’. And that’s been proved right as it’s gained momentum and come closer. It’s an incredible moment in UK history.”

Wallace believes “there’s an inherent arrogance in media circles, which is probably a contributing factor as to why there’s a referendum in the first place!”

With the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games coming to Scotland this year, and factoring in the Bannockburn anniversary too, Wallace excitedly admits it’s “the year of Scotland”.

“I’d love to get back up there for the Commonwealth,” he tells us, but admits it may be difficult. (He’s got a kid on the way in July.)

“I may not even have chance to read about the Games! But if the opportunity arises, you know I’ll be there.”

And then there’s work. Wallace visits Scotland regularly but spends most of his time in London – with his wife and their four-year-old son – where he’s chained to his desk writing.

He gave up his early mornings on XFM radio and now spends days in front of a computer screen. He says it’s where he feels most comfortable (as long as his supply of tea is maintained), but admits the whole creative process can be a little draining.

“Writing is a bit of a challenge - there are no funny stories that take place when you’re writing a novel. At least when I’ve done my adventures [in documentaries], I’ve got a thousand stories to tell, and I can’t wait to tell them.

“When you’re writing a novel, you might run out of printer ink one day, but that’s as good as the anecdotes get!” he laughs.

“But it’s really good fun. Like childbirth, you block out the bad bits!”

But his life is far grander than he makes it sound.

“This year I’m thinking of doing more scripty stuff,” he tells us. “The aim is to get a show commissioned in Hollywood and the wheels are already in motion.”

He’s just returned from LA and, following a few positive meetings, is hoping for good news imminently. “We’ll see,” he says. “It could be a very interesting second half of the year!”

And if that doesn’t work out? He can always find work as King of Scotland.

• Who is Tom Ditto? by Danny Wallace is published by Ebury Press priced £12.99